Area News

By Eddie West Staff Writer A newly released Tennessee Comptroller’s office report lists all of the county’s schools but one as being  “excellent” infrastructure-wise. Issued this week, the report lists eight schools as being structurally “excellent”, while one is listed as “fair”. The report does not identify which school is listed as being in “fair” condition.…

By Eddie West Staff Writer The Tennessee Comptroller’s Office has okayed the county’s 2024-2025 fiscal year budget but not without addressing an area of concern. Each year after approval, counties are required to forward current fiscal year budgets to the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office for review. In return, the state comptroller’s office responds to county officials…

By Eddie West Staff Writer Artists from around the country recently gathered at Defeated’s Carver Barn for a painting retreat instructed by nationally known artist Donna Dewberry. Based in Florida, Dewberry is a noted artist and instructor with followers world-wide. The artist has an extensive multi-media presence including the internet.  Dewberry is known for promoting a…

By Eddie West Staff Writer County commissioners have approved on final reading a resolution implementing a $50 wheel tax with funds benefiting the county highway department. More specifically, funds collected from the wheel tax are to be designated for county road improvement projects such as resurfacing. The second reading and final approval came during the…

By Eddie West Staff Writer An ever increasing number of residents are finding a family is incomplete without a pet. In particular, dogs are becoming a family essential not only for playful interaction with youngsters and adults, but also companionship especially for individuals who may live alone. A family pet such as a dog can…

By Eddie West Staff Writer The Historic Smith County Courthouse in downtown Carthage is poised to make a return as a main focal point for the county with an extensive restoration project. Plans are to restore the historic courthouse to its stately manor along with the addition of new technologically advanced features. The project is…

By Eddie West Staff Writer Residents will be electing a new president, as well as filling a number of state, federal and local offices with Tuesday’s (November 5) elections. At the end of a half-day of voting on Saturday, October 26, the number of residents taking advantage of early voting was closing in on five thousand.…

By Eddie West Staff Writer Separate investigations conducted by sheriffs department K-9 units led to two arrests on drug-related charges. One of the investigations  took place in the Chestnut Mound community, another in the Brush Creek area. In the Chestnut Mound investigation, a female was discovered hiding in a specifically designed hideout underneath the floor of…